Island resident James Toseland says he's been forced into early retirement by injury.

The two-time World Superbike Champion suffered injuries to his wrist in a crash on his BMW Motorad Italia bike earlier this season.

In a letter to his fans posted on his website the 30 year-old says he and his consultant did all they could to ensure he could continue racing but in the end he had to admit he'd never recover full movement in his wrist.

He goes on to saymoving aside means a young, talented rider who is fully fit will have a chance to take his seat in World Superbike.

Thanking his fans JT, as he is known, says it’s been almost like having a second family to support him through his career.

He ends: So, thank you for everything and I hope that I have done you proud.